CAPITAL DISTRICT  As a star of the Siena Saints he was known to fans as Tay Fisher, the player who shot 44.4 percent from three-point range and helped the team drive to regular and postseason MAAC titles.

When he returns to the area now, though, he’s known as Firefly.

“I’m one of the shortest on the team and they say I light it up real quick on the court. That’s why they call me Firefly,” said Fisher.

Fisher is a Harlem Globetrotter and in the middle of this third season with the world-renowned team. He’ll return to the Capital District on Sunday, Feb. 5, for a show at the Times Union Center and he said he’s excited to see his fans again.

“Every year, I feel like I show them something new. I feel like I get better and better every year. I’m excited to come back and I’m hoping they all come out and keep supporting me like they have been,” said Fisher.

Fisher’s path to the unconventional basketball team, known for its tricks, acrobatics and comedy instead of winning championship games, wasn’t something he planned.

“I always wanted to play professional ball, that’s a lot of player’s goals,” said Fisher. “I just never thought it would have been the Harlem Globetrotters. Not only do you have to be a basketball player but you have to have that charisma, personality and entertainment skills.”

Though he always saw himself as part of the NBA or playing professional basketball in Europe, now that he’s a Globetrotter the role fits perfectly.

Submitted Photo

“I’ve always been a basketball player first and pretty much a comedian on and off the court, so I feel like this plays right into my hands,” said Fisher.

The team drafted Fisher in 2008 and since then it’s been all about practice, practice and more practice.